User association strategies for heterogeneous networks
are proposed in order to balance the load among different
base stations (BSs) and obtain higher downlink aggregate network
utility based on per-user throughputs. The BSs are assumed to be
solely powered with finite batteries and energy harvesting sources
that allow them to collect energy from the environment and to
recharge the batteries. Such battery limitations are considered explicitly
in the proposed design. The simulations evaluate the effect
of the energy harvesting capabilities on the network throughput
and the comparison with other traditional strategies.